Gin Ichimaru reclined in his favorite chair, reading the latest copy of the Seireitei Newsletter which Aizen had stolen during his most recent thefts in the Soul Society. He then sensed a pair of guards approaching. The guards were essentially lobotomized prisoners from the Nest of Maggots, their lobotomy courtesy of the late Shuyou Fushimatsu. They had curiously familiar spiritual pressure, indicating a third person with them.

"Captain Ichimaru, this Fraccion wishes to speak with you." One of the guards said. Gin lowered his magazine and looked over his shoulder. He saw the two guards on either side of a young Neko Zaine.

"Well, this is certainly an unexpected pleasure. You two can go. She couldn't harm me if she tried." Gin said as the guards bowed and left. He immediately turned to Neko.

"Please sit down, despite what you've heard, I don't bite." Gin said as Neko sat down in a chair across from him. Gin instantly produced a small box from inside of his robes.

"Dried Persimmon?" He asked, holding out the box to the young girl who politely refused. Gin shrugged and popped one in his mouth anyway, swallowing before returning his attention to the Fraccion.

"So then, to what do I owe this visit?" Gin asked.

"Um…well…I'm concerned about my brother. He's not been the same since yesterday." Neko said as Gin looked curious.

"Oh? How so?" Gin asked.

"Well, he either locks himself in his room or he sits down in one of the basement rooms playing his Zanpakuto. He doesn't speak to anyone and he doesn't come out to eat anything. I brought him dinner last night and when I came by this morning with breakfast, he hadn't even touched his dinner. What's more is he's playing a strange tune on his Zanpakuto." Neko said as Gin arched an eyebrow.

"What sort of tune? Is it one you recognize? Ooh is it Soul Shout? I like that one." Gin asked as Neko shook her head.

"No, it's not. It's a…a sad tune. He…he doesn't even sing anymore. Last night I went up to the top to see if he would sing his lullaby again but he…didn't." Neko said as Gin cocked his head to one side in thought.

"I see. Sounds like he's just brooding…although he's never been one to brood. But why tell this to me?" Gin asked.

"Because he seems to like you sir. You were his Captain back when you two were still Soul Reapers. He respects you…a lot. When he would come home for breaks, he would talk about you and the Lieutenant all the time. He always seemed happier whenever he mentioned you, even if he had been talking about a sad subject before that point. I figured that you could, perhaps, cheer him up somehow." Neko said as Gin leaned back in thought, his fox like expression impossible to read.

"Well…I think a breath of fresh air would help his demeanor. But for now you should stay with him. If he tries to send you away, tell him I sent you and if he has a problem, to talk to me. Oh and tell him to meet me tonight on the top of the tallest tower. After sundown specifically." Gin said as Neko arched an eyebrow.

"Okay? If you say so sir. I hope whatever it is you've got in mind helps." Neko said as she started to leave.

"Oh believe me, it will." Gin said as Neko left.

"Plus, it'll make things much more interesting."



Down in the basement…

Arupejio sat in the middle of a large stone room. It was completely empty and unfurnished. The only furniture inside was a small wooden stool he had brought down from the surface. The only source of light was a single soft beam emanating from the ceiling, illuminating the cold, hard, stone walls. The occasional sound of water dripping into a small puddle would echo through the room. But the most prominent sound heard was the sad slow melody of what sounded like a violin. It was actually Arupejio, rubbing the condensation off his Zanpakuto's Shikai with one finger, creating the violin sound as his finger moved in straight lines. It made no difference which direction he ran his finger, his Zanpakuto knew what notes to play. (A/N: For the effect, I'm thinking "Will of the Heart: Violin" from the "Bleach: Fade to Black" Soundtrack)

"You seem pretty down." A voice said in his mind. It wasn't Hensen Tatsujin, though the blade still rested at his side in its sheath, it was instead Kuroseika.

"Leave me alone." Arupejio said dejectedly.

"Then why are you playing me? I know you Arupejio, and you're not like this." Kuroseika said.

"Because he's a mindless servant, doing what he's told by whoever tells him what to do." Hensen Tatsujin replied, entering into the conversation.

"I don't recall asking you. How you are able to be wielded by my master is a mystery to us both. Now please leave us in peace." Kuroseika scorned.

"Fine, whatever." Tatsujin snorted. Arupejio rolled his eyes with an annoyed sigh but continued playing.

"Tell me what's wrong. We go back a long time Arupejio and you're not like this…we're not like this." Kuroseika said. Arupejio remained silent for a moment, still playing.

"I just…I don't know what I'm supposed to do anymore. As a Soul Reaper, things were a little bumpy but I was happy. As an Espada, I feel like I've betrayed everyone I know and care for. Why do I even stay?" Arupejio asked.

"I told you why." Hensen Tatsujin said.

"As much as I would like to say ignore him, he has a point. You do tend to just follow orders. When you found out that Aizen was your father and he proved it to you, you swore your allegiance to him instantly and without question. For so long you've strived to find even one of your parents and now that you've found one, you're miserable because you were forced to turn away from a life that would potentially lead to happiness. I can tell what you think of. You think about her all the time. I can't say that I blame you. That Shun'o girl was rather attractive." Kuroseika explained. Arupejio couldn't help but let a tear run down his cheek at the memory of what Orihime had said to him when he used Hensen Tatsujin's Bankai.

"You aren't the Arupejio I knew. Whenever you or anyone uses that sword, you become an uncontrollable monster! You become worse than your own father!" Orihime's words echoed in his mind.

"Arupejio?" he heard Neko ask from behind.

"Leave me alone Neko." He said softly.

"Captain Ichimaru told me not to. He wants you to meet him tonight at the top of the tallest tower after sundown." Neko said as Arupejio froze, causing the music to stop. He looked over his shoulder at her with a curious expression.

"You told Captain Ichimaru?" Arupejio asked curiously. Neko nodded with her hands clasped together behind her back, and looking at him meekly.

"I thought he might be able to cheer you up somehow." Neko said as Arupejio groaned and rubbed his temples.

"Great and he'll probably tell Lord Aizen. He might suspect…" Arupejio said as Neko looked at him curiously.

"Suspect what?" Neko asked.

"He might suspect that I might…no I cannot involve you in this Neko." Arupejio replied.

"You're thinking about running away, aren't you?" Neko asked as Arupejio looked at her again.

"I've been entertaining the idea lately. But please don't tell a soul. If only I had some place to go. I can't go to the Soul Society; they'll be able to find our Spiritual Pressure. I could go to the World of the Living perhaps but, a life on the run from both friend and foe alike isn't a life…for anyone." Arupejio said.

"What about your friend Orihime. She seemed nice." Neko suggested as Arupejio shook his head.

"Why would she want to help a guy who she said was…was a monster?" Arupejio asked.

"Are you a total idiot?" Kuroseika asked as he started to glow with a neon green aura, and created a swirling mass of measures around a single point in the room. When the notes finally vanished, they revealed a well dressed man in a tuxedo with white silk shirt and gloves. He looked slightly like Zangetsu but without the long floating hair, bearded chin, and glasses. He wore a white bowtie as well.

"Orihime said that you only became a monster when you used Hensen Tatsujin's Bankai. Given its personality, I cannot say that I disagree with her." Kuroseika said. Arupejio could hear Tatsujin give an amused snort but ignored the snide Zanpakuto.

"Yeah, don't be too hard on yourself, nyaa." A voice said from nearby.

"Yamaneko?!" Neko asked curiously. Sure enough, out from behind Neko walked a small black cat with a long whip like tail. Upon closer inspection, one could tell that the tail was actually her Shikai.

"AWWW Yamaneko you're so cute!" Neko gushed, picking up the spirit of her Zanpakuto and scratching it behind the ears.

"I know nyaa." Yamaneko said, purring all the while.

"Can we stay on topic?" Arupejio asked as Kuroseika placed a hand on his wielder's shoulder.

"Arupejio, for so long you've followed your gut and followed the path that others have set for you. You follow orders faithfully and you hardly ever question them unless it's to clarify the instructions further. But now it is time for you to set your own path and follow it, even if it may seem long and hard. And having Neko along will keep you strong. You can pass down everything you've learned to her." Kuroseika explained.

"You're right. I need to set my own path. But…I cannot afford to arouse suspicion. I better meet with my Captain tonight like he requested so he doesn't get suspicious. After that…we leave for the World of the Living." Arupejio said as Neko tapped her chin.

"Um, brother, do you know how to get here from there?" Neko asked as Arupejio nodded.

"My father taught me to create a Garganta, which is how I was able to leave the World of the Living after the uprising in the Seireitei." Arupejio said as Neko nodded.

"So shouldn't we be getting packed?" Neko asked as Arupejio nodded.

"We should, but be…discrete. Let no one, not even guards, know about our plans." Arupejio said, unaware that their entire conversation had been overheard by a certain fox faced individual.



That night…

Gin Ichimaru stood on the top tower, peering out towards the ruined city with his usual fox-like expression. His smile however was noticeably wider than normal. He then sensed his former Third Seat climbing the stairs with Neko close behind.

"Captain, you sent for me?" Arupejio asked as he stood next to the former Third Division Captain.

"I did. Your Fraccion, Neko, told me that you've been feeling a little depressed since yesterday's battle. Did something happen that I should know about?" Gin asked as Arupejio shook his head.

"No sir, nothing of relevance. Ichigo Kurosaki bested me in combat, as did his Lieutenant. I suppose the only reason I have to be depressed is that I was beaten by my target." Arupejio said as Gin glanced at him, still maintaining his expression.

"Are you certain?" Gin asked in an almost prodding way.

"Yes sir. I am certain." Arupejio replied plainly.

"Well then…all I have to say is…oh look at the time. Isn't it time for you to sing that song of yours?" Gin asked as Arupejio glared at him.

"Sir I wasn't planning on-." "Zaine…that wasn't a suggestion if you get my meaning?" Gin hinted as Arupejio sighed and drew his Zanpakuto.

"Sing for me, Kuroseika." Arupejio said. He then started gently pressing the keys, letting the music play on the wind. Then he started singing…

"Dare yori mo takaku takaku (Higher, higher, than anyone)
uchiagare fuyu hanabi (Winter Fireworks rise above)
sumikitta yozora ga yoku niau" (They go so well with the clear night sky)

Then Neko joined in for the second verse.

"Dare yori mo rintoushite (More dignified than anyone)
uchiagare fuyu hanabi (Winter Fireworks rise above)
omae no tanjou wo mitodoke yo." (They acknowledge that you were born)

He was about to stop playing when he suddenly heard on the wind a faint sound. The sound of a woman singing…

"Nobori, kagayaki (Climbing, shining)
jirijiri hanarete yuku (scattering in all directions)
unmei nara" (if this is their destiny)

He quickly started looking around until finally he noticed that down on the balcony of the other tower was a single woman with long raven black hair in a Soul Reaper uniform. Next to her was Hotokegi with the veil over her face. The Soul Reaper woman was singing…

"Mabuta ni tomoshitsuzukete (They keep lighting up my eyes)
kono kagayaki wo eien ni" (the radiance is forever)

The woman's voice was so familiar too him as well. What's more, she was singing his song and the words were correct. Suddenly it clicked, the words, the melody, he remembered the entire song. But the voice...the voice which sang on…

"Ima sora no shita minna (I want to believe that everyone under this sky)
onaji omoide iru to shinjiite itai" (feels the same way now)

Suddenly he realized that his entire reason for singing that song every night, after one hundred and eleven years, could have finally paid off. Was she really…her? He couldn't stop himself as he joined in singing…

"Dare yori mo tsuyoku tsuyoku (Stronger, stronger, than anyone)
uchiagare fuyu hanabi" (Winter Fireworks rise above)

Then the woman and Hotokegi both replied, the woman looking at him with a smile as the two sang…

"Sumikitta yozora ni irakarete" (Shielded by the clear white sky)

Arupejio realized in that instant that it was her…the woman he had sought after for most of his life, was right on that balcony. With an excited smile, he continued singing…

"Dare yori mo hokorashiku (Prouder than anyone)
uchiagare fuyu hanabi" (Winter Fireworks rise above)

Then the woman replied…

"Omae no ikizama wo misete kure" (Show us your way of life)

Then he sang as the woman and Hotokegi replied…

"Nobori kagayaki" (Climbing, shining)

Then Arupejio continued…

"jirijiri hanarete yuku (Scattering in all directions)
unmei demo tamashii wa hikaritsuzukeru" (Even if fate's like this, souls continue to shine)

Then the woman and Hotokegi joined back in with him…

"Kono kagayaki wa eien ni" (The radiance is forever)

Then they all started singing together…

"Ima sora no shita minna (I want to believe that everyone under this sky)
onaji omoide iru to shinjite itai" (Feels the same way now)

"Dare yori mo tsuyoku tsuyoku (Stronger, stronger than anyone)
uchiagare fuyu hanabi (Winter Fireworks rise above)
sumikitta yozora ni irakarete" (Shielded by the clear night sky)

"Dare yori mo hokorashiku (Prouder than anyone)
uchiagare fuyu hanabi (Winter Fireworks rise above)
omae no ikizama wo misete kure" (Show us your way of life)

Then Arupejio sang…

"Oretachi wa" (And we)

And the woman and Hotokegi replied…

"Itsumademo" (Always and forever)

And they each finished together in unison…

"Kagayaite iyou" (Continue to Shine)

And with that the music came to a close. Arupejio looked down at the woman from the edge of the battlements with a look on his face that was one of overwhelming yet silent joy. He then quickly leapt onto the battlements and flew towards the balcony, landing on the marble railing then jumping down onto the balcony floor.

"You're her aren't you…you're the woman I've been looking for all my life." He said as Kaichou chuckled with a smile and nodded.

"You mean your mother? I am her. That song would only be known by members of my clan. It's our clan lullaby. Each noble clan, be they one of the four noble houses or even one of the lesser ones such as the Sakebu clan, has a clan lullaby. If two houses join together, then they use both lullabies." Kaichou explained as Arupejio looked at her excitedly. He then turned around and looked back up at the battlements where he saw Gin and Neko looking down at them. Neko was looking down in amazement while Gin was waving innocently.

"You knew all along didn't you?!" Arupejio asked as Gin chuckled and flash stepped onto the balcony with Neko.

"Ever since the day Aizen and I found you in Rukongai. He explained to me what you were, and who your mother really was. I can vouch that this is indeed her, Zaine." Gin said as Kaichou nodded.

"Gin set this whole thing up. He made sure that you were on that tower tonight, even knowing full well that I would be listening and intending for me to join in and reveal who I was. He's taken an awful risk in doing so. He knows that by your mere interaction with me without his knowledge, your father could consider all three of you as traitors." Kaichou explained causing Arupejio and Neko to look at her confused.

"Traitors? You mean you're not with my father?" Arupejio asked as Kaichou shook her head.

"If given the opportunity, I would kill him in an instant. In fact, he brought me here against my will and has forced me into working for him, using your wellbeing as leverage to keep me working." Kaichou explained as Arupejio started piecing things together.

"So…who am I? Is my name really Arupejio? What was your name for me?" Arupejio asked as Kaichou chuckled slightly, almost embarrassed to admit it.

"You promise you won't hold it against me?" Kaichou asked as Arupejio shook his head.

"I would never hold it against you." Arupejio said as Kaichou smiled.

"The name I gave you was the same as the type of flower on the hairclip I left you with. Hanashiro Kurosaki." Kaichou said as Arupejio's eyes widened and his jaw dropped open. Neko was no different and Gin was wishing he had a camera.



End Chapter 44.

Surprised?

The song above was the full version of "Fuyu Hanabi," from the Bleach Rock Musical: No Clouds in the Blue Heavens.

Soul Reaper Illustrated Guide…

Uryu was silently reading a book on his couch when he noticed something moving out of the corner of his eye. He looked up and saw much to his surprise the Zanpakuto spirit of Hyorinmaru sit down on the couch next to him.

"Pardon my intrusion." Hyorinmaru said politely yet stoically.

"What is a Soul Reaper's Zanpakuto spirit doing in my house?" Uryu asked.

"You wouldn't believe us if we told you." Hekireki Megami said as she finished screwing in a light bulb into a nearby lamp.

"Wha-TWO?!" Uryu yelped. He then noticed Nemu showing Zabimaru towards one of the nearby rooms.

"What in the-?!" Uryu asked as he quickly hurried to the doorway of the room where his jaw dropped at the sight he saw. Inside the room were the Zanpakuto spirits of Zangetsu, Sode no Shirayuki, Haineko, Tobiume, Hitoku Kasumi, Chuushuunomeigetsu, Kuroseika, Kazeshini, Ashisogi Jizo, Yamaneko, and Hensen Tatsujin.

"What is going ON?!?!" Uryu freaked.

"Hey Uryu, would you like a master suite or just a simple single room at the hotel?" Ichigo asked with the telephone held up to his head.

"What are you talking about?! What hotel?! Why are all these Zanpakuto spirits in my house?! AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!?!" Uryu yelled.

"Oh didn't Rukia send you the memo?" Ichigo asked but Uryu's enraged expression answered his question. Just then Zangetsu walked in.

"Starting with the next chapter, we will be starting a new Omake segment called "The Zanpakuto Alive!" Zangetsu announced as Hekireki Megami slid onto the screen.

"Yeah so don't miss it!" She yelled as Uryu appeared out from behind Zangetsu, pushing his glasses up.

"Why in my house though?" he asked annoyed.

End.